As the world celebrates the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, Pune marked the occasion by highlighting the strength and impact of cooperation through the NCDC Regional Awards Ceremony 2025. The event recognised 10 exceptional cooperative societies for their outstanding service, innovation and commitment to inclusive growth, reinforcing the importance of cooperatives in nation-building.
The programme was graced by Aniruddha Desai, Chief Executive Officer of PDCC Bank, and Manohar Ahuja, General Manager of the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank, who attended as Chief Guests. They emphasised the critical role of cooperatives in empowering communities, promoting transparency and strengthening grassroots economic institutions.
The awards aim to encourage Primary Agricultural Credit Societies, women cooperatives, Farmer Producer Organisations and other cooperative bodies that are driving positive change through good governance and innovative practices. Organisers said such recognition motivates institutions working at the grassroots to scale up their impact and adopt best practices.
The ceremony reflected Pune’s strong cooperative tradition and its growing contribution to building a resilient, inclusive and sustainable cooperative future in the International Year of Cooperatives.